1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 握 (aku) means “to grasp” or “to hold.” It conveys the action of holding something tightly or securely, often with the hands.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 握 is a compound character that combines the elements of “hand” and “to hold.” It is categorized as a phonetic-ideographic character, where the left part represents the hand, and the right part gives a clue to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for 握 is 手 (te), which means “hand.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to actions performed with the hands.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 握 are:
- 握手 (akushu) – handshake
- 握り拳 (nigirikobushi) – clenched fist
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は私の手を握った。 (Kare wa watashi no te o akuta.) – He held my hand.
- 握手をしましょう。 (Akushu o shimashou.) – Let’s shake hands.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 持 (mochi), which means “to hold” but often implies carrying or possessing something rather than the act of grasping tightly.
Antonyms: An antonym for 握 is 放 (hō), which means “to release” or “to let go.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The act of 握 is significant in Japanese culture, especially in social interactions like greetings and agreements, where a handshake symbolizes trust and connection.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is 握りしめる (nigirishimeru), which means “to hold tightly,” often used metaphorically to describe holding onto one’s beliefs or values.